White cane: Symbol of safety for the blind

Photo Courtesy: Helen Keller International

But safety should not be confined on roads along. It has much wider connotation. This is why it should be the policy of the government, NGOs and the civil society to encourage and enable the blind to participate fully in the social and economic life and to engage in remunerative employment. The blind and the visually impaired shall have the same right as all others to the full use of the streets, public buildings, transportation, amusement, etc.

James Biggs of Bristol claimed to have invented the white cane in 1921. In February 1931, Guilly d'Herbemont launched a scheme for a national white stick movement for blind people in France. The campaign was reported in British newspapers leading to a similar scheme being sponsored by Rotary Clubs throughout the United Kingdom. In May 1931, the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) suggested in its Radio broadcasts that blind individuals might be provided with a white stick, which would be universally recognised as a symbol indicating that somebody was blind or visually impaired. In 1930, a Lion's Club member watched a blind man attempted to make his way across a busy street using a black cane. After realising that the black cane was barely visible to motorists, the Lion's Club decided to paint the cane white to increase its visibility to oncoming motorists.

During the early 1960's, several state, organisations, rehabilitation agencies serving the blind and visually impaired citizens of the United States urged Congress to proclaim October 15 of each year to be white cane safety day. The then president of USA, Lyndon B. Johnson went down in history as the first to proclaim October 15 as 'White Cane Safety Day' and called upon the people to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

In the first white cane proclamation, President Johnson commended blind people for the growing spirit of independence and the increased determination to be self-reliant and dignified.

He said " A white cane in our society has become one of the symbols of a blind person's ability to come and go on his/ her own. Its use has promoted courtesy and opportunity for mobility of the blind on our streets and highways".

On October 15, 2000, President Bill Clinton again reminded people about the history of the white cane as a tool and its purpose as a symbol of blindness. Clinton comments, "with proper training, by using the white cane blind people can enjoy greater mobility and safety determining the location of curbs, steps, uneven pavement and other physical obstacles in their path. The white cane gives the blind and visually impaired the freedom to travel independently to their educational institutions, workplaces and to participate more fully in the life of their communities. It reminds us that the barriers against people with disabilities are discriminatory attitudes and practices, which our society has too often placed in their way".

Nasrin Jahan (35) is a visually impaired lady. She lives in Dhaka and is associated with a leading international NGO, which is working for the betterment of the disabled. She says, "Every blind or visually impaired person shall have the right to make use of a white cane. Blind persons can do most jobs if they are given opportunity and training. The primary problem of blindness is the people's lack of knowledge about it. The white cane is not just a tool that can be used to achieve independence, it is also a symbol of the blind citizens".

Nasrin added, "Hardly about fifty percent of the blind and visually impaired of our country are aware of and know how to use the white cane. This is why the October 15 should be the day to create awareness among the blind and the sighted people about the white cane; its need, how to and why to use it, how to and why to help the blind to use it properly".

The public and private transport authority, drivers, helpers, conductors et al. should get briefing and practical knowledge about the white cane, it's user, what type of help and how to offer that to the blind. To keep the footpath clean, to keep the manhole covered, to dustbin in appropriate place are the related responsibilities of the City Corporation authorities, Union Council Chairpersons, Members, Ward Commissioners, conscious people for safe moving of the blind. Most of the blind and visually impaired people of our country live in rural areas. That's why they need to be aware urgently about the white cane to bring them in the mainstream of education, equal rights, empowerment, development etc.

Nasrin uses white cane, especially when she has to walk or cross the road, moving upstairs/downstairs of office/ residence/shopping mall etc. She says, "not only the disabled but also all other people should be aware of it. On the other hand, orientation is needed for the Traffic Police. Because they have to help the blind to walk, cross the road or using the public transport. In some developed countries, musical signal in the Traffic Post is available to alert the blind at the time of crossing the road. The government of our country should take initiatives and start such system".

Creating awareness among the people about white cane is very important. Along with the government, more NGOs, civil societies, mass media should also come forward to work through integrated approach to assist the blind and visually impaired in their effort.

Parvez Babul is an NGO activist.